Performance
Score Breakdown
Calgary
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Calgary is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
29% lower compared to Cincinnati.
Housing costs are a major driver: Calgary's average rent is
17% lower than Cincinnati's.
| Metric | Calgary | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,177 | $1,410 | -17% |
| Groceries | $268 | $493 | -46% |
| Utilities | $125 | $178 | -30% |
| Transport | $90 | $120 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $71 | $250 | -72% |
| Monthly Total | $1,731 | $2,451 | -29% |
| Cost Index | 65 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 32% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Calgary delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Calgary is estimated at
$46,129 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Calgary | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $53,505 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $46,129 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 82,315 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $69,893 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Calgary | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Cincinnati has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Calgary.
Calgary scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Cincinnati leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Calgary | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 39.0/10 | 49.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 125.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Calgary is the larger city
— approximately 5.1x the population of Cincinnati.
From a growth perspective, Calgary is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Cincinnati has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Calgary | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,600,000 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.53% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 38.8 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 6.80% | 3.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Calgary
Advantages
Calgary has a high median household after-tax income compared to other major Canadian cities, at $107,400 CAD (2021 Census).
The city's Crime Severity Index fell to a near historic low of 61.7 in 2025, well below the national average.
Calgary's tech ecosystem is experiencing rapid growth, expanding at four times the Canadian average since 2021.
Alberta has the lowest provincial tax rate nationally, with no provincial sales tax or land transfer tax, making everyday purchases and homeownership more affordable.
Calgary offers a high quality of life, with 78% of residents rating it as good or excellent in 2025.
Drawbacks
Despite overall safety, property crime remains a significant concern in Calgary, with 51,999 incidents in 2025.
Calgary is largely a car-dependent city, with an average Walk Score of 39, indicating that most errands require a car.
The unemployment rate in Calgary was 6.8% in December 2025, which, while improved, remains a factor for job seekers.
Only 10% of Calgarians live within walking distance of fast and frequent public transit service, limiting car-free convenience.
Rising housing costs, including rent and home purchase prices, continue to be an important consideration for residents.
Cincinnati
Advantages
The cost of living in Cincinnati is 3% lower than the national average, making it more affordable than many major U.S. cities.
Cincinnati boasts a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services.
The city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, including museums, theaters, and a symphony orchestra.
Several neighborhoods, such as Over-The-Rhine and the Central Business District, are highly walkable, with Walk Scores of 94 and 92 respectively.
The median property value in Cincinnati was $230,900 in 2024, significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
Drawbacks
While some areas are highly walkable, the city's overall Walk Score of 49 indicates a car-dependent environment for most errands.
Public transportation, while available, is not considered the most dependable, often necessitating a personal vehicle.
The city's poverty rate was 25.5% in 2024, which is higher than the national average.
Cincinnati experiences extreme seasonal variations in humidity, with muggy summers and very cold, snowy winters.
The average commute time in the Cincinnati metropolitan area was 2 hours daily in 2023, which is relatively long compared to some other cities.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Calgary
#6Alberta, Canada
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,177
Avg Salary
$53,505
Cost Index
65
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
39.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.53%
Unemployment
6.80%
Livability
78
Business
80
Cincinnati
#49Ohio, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,410
Avg Salary
$79,000
Cost Index
103
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
49.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
70
Business
72
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